Robert M. Gurney, FAIA Architect

Buisson Residence

Buisson Residence
© Paul Warchol

BUISSON RESIDENCE

Robert Gurney Architect

CONTRACTOR
Loudin Building Systems

PROJECT ARCHITECT
Claire L. Andreas

INTERIOR DESIGNER
Therese Baron Gurney, ASID

ENGINEER
D. Anthony Beale LLC

PROJECT YEAR
2008

LOCATION
Annandale, United States

CATEGORY
Houses

Buisson Residence
© Maxwell MacKenzie
Buisson Residence
© Maxwell MacKenzie
Buisson Residence
© Maxwell MacKenzie

Text description provided by architect.

The journey down a winding road and thru a pine tree forest ends at the Buisson Residence. Situated on a grass knoll and commanding views of Lake Anna in central Virginia, the house emerges as a long, white painted brick wall with a copper clad volume cantilevered above the wall.

The primary organizational elements are two “L” shaped brick walls connected by a glass enclosed bridge. Mahogany clad walls combine with the smaller “L” to provide a service volume while glass walls combine with the larger “L” to create the primary living spaces and to provide southern and western views toward the lake.

Buisson Residence
© Maxwell MacKenzie
Buisson Residence
© Maxwell MacKenzie

The experience of arrival and the wall are intertwined as the wall establishes a threshold between the pine forest and views toward the lake. Entrance to the house is thru the wall and into a space that divides the program of the house into public and private realms.

The entry, living and sleeping spaces are arranged linearly to maximize lake views and to take advantage of the southern exposure. Large overhangs and sensored motorized shades combine to limit heat gain during the summer while allowing the sun to penetrate deep into the interior during the winter.

Buisson Residence
© Maxwell MacKenzie
Buisson Residence
©  Maxwell MacKenzie

The second floor roof and exterior walls are wrapped in copper with fully glazed east and west walls inset from the ends of the copper volume.

The glazed wall at the east end provides an abundant and high source of light into the double height entry hall while the glazing on the west end provides light to two bedrooms and views of the lake.

Buisson Residence
© Paul Warchol
Buisson Residence
© Paul Warchol

A single, large punctuation in the southern copper clad façade allows views from a second floor office. The sloping roof and canted front wall are designed to deflect fierce north wind and shed water from intense storms.

The geometric volumes are connected to the landscape both by the views from the interior and accessibility to the outdoors.

Throughout the project detailing is minimal and precise. The spaces are ordered and there is a juxtaposition of solidity and transparency.

Buisson Residence
© Paul Warchol
Buisson Residence
© Maxwell MacKenzie
Buisson Residence
© Maxwell MacKenzie

The rigor of the design, the linear organization of spaces and the continuous presence of the wall provide a sharp and intended contrast to the irregular beauty of the landscape beyond.

It is this contrast between an ordered human dimension and an unstructured natural condition that elevates our understanding and appreciation of both.

Buisson Residence
© Paul Warchol


Buisson Residence
© Paul Warchol
Buisson Residence
© Maxwell MacKenzie
Buisson Residence
© Paul Warchol
Buisson Residence
© Maxwell MacKenzie
Buisson Residence
© Paul Warchol
Buisson Residence
© Paul Warchol


Buisson Residence
Ground Floor Plan
Buisson Residence
First Floor Plan
Buisson Residence
Second Floor Plan
Buisson Residence
Site Plan


Buisson Residence
Section
Buisson Residence
Axon

Buisson Residence
Elevations

Robert M. Gurney, FAIA Architect
T +1 202 2370925 F +1 202 2370927
Robert M. Gurney, FAIA Architect
5110 1/2, 5110 MacArthur Blvd NW, Washington, DC 20016, United States